ChelseaKensington38.pdf

24 the riverside journalsHad enoughof vacationingon dry land?This summer,choose an aquaadventure.HolidayH2OSummer is finally here, which means it’s time to slather on the suncream, chase after the ice cream van and don the sunglasses, all in anattempt to combat the heat. But one of the best (and most fun) waysto keep cool is to take some time off and enjoy the life aquatic.Holidays on the water are no longer restricted to the beach. Thesedays, there’s a trend to find alternative water trips. From narrowboathotels and B&Bs (Boat & Breakfasts) to island hoppingvia seaplanes and ancient coastal dips, there are plenty ofoptions. The seas, rivers and lakes are your oyster.By Nina Koo-Seen-LinCanal boat tour in the UKImages of the children’s TV show ‘Rosie and Jim’ might spring to mind when wethink of narrow-boats. But now is the perfect time to holiday on one. The inlandwaterways around the UK are better than they’ve ever been, and with over twothousand miles of canals to choose from there’s plenty of choice to suit you.Pick: Away4awhile is a company that specializes in hotelboat cruises aroundthe UK. They offer mid-week, weekend and week-long breaks that embarkfrom various places, including Birmingham, Worcester, Stratford upon Avon,Warwick and Banbury.For more information, tel: 0845 644 5144 or visit www.away4awhile.co.ukA fjord excursion in NorwayNo trip to Norway would be complete without a glimpse of the magnificent fjords.Norway is famous for these scenic water inlets and many are renowned for theiraccessibility. A range of activities is available, from hiking and glacier walking tofishing and swimming, making this an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination.Pick: Norway in a Nutshell provides comprehensive routes around Norway’sspectacular scenery, both on land and sea. The tour starts with a picturesquetrain ride from Oslo to Bergen which whizzes past glaciers, deep forests andlakes. In the village of Flåm on Sognefjord, you can take a 90-minute boat tourto see Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.For more information, tel: +47 815 68 222 or visit www.norwaynutshell.comHouseboat holiday home in AmsterdamFloating holiday homes that have a permanent mooring have become increasinglypopular over the years as they’re often cheaper than staying in a hotel. There’s aromantic element that also appeals, especially to couples. Europe in particular hasa number of beautiful places to take a break on a houseboat.Pick: De Dageraad is a houseboat located near the former harbour of Amsterdam.It consists of two luxury ensuite bedrooms and a guest kitchen. A deliciousbreakfast is served by owners Sylvie and Theo every morning, and rental bikes areprovided to ride around the canal ring and other sights of the city.For more information, tel: + 31 6 39143000,email bbdageraad@gmail.com or visit www.bedbreakfastdedageraad.nlA cool cruise around CroatiaCruises are no longer a holiday choice just for retired couples. More and morepeople are beginning to see that setting sail on a luxury liner is one of the best andmost comfortable ways of discovering a new part of the world. Cruises aroundEurope are particularly good value for money as everything can be purchased inone packet. It’s a good option for families or those who want to feel pampered.Pick: Saga’s Dalmation Island Explorer cruise starts in the ancient walled cityof Dubrovnik and sails to the islands of Brac and Korcula.For more information, tel: 0800 056 6099 or visit www.saga.co.uk/holidaysIsland hopping by seaplane in ScotlandAn eagle-eye view of the land and sea is one of the most extraordinary sights toexperience. These aircraft have floats or skis instead of wheels and are designedto land on and take off from water. Don’t think of seaplanes as mere vessels oftransportation. They provide some breathtaking views from lift off to landing.Pick: Loch Lomond Seaplanes is the UK’s only commercial seaplane tourservice. Routes include the ‘West Coast Explorer’ where passengers can seethe Isle of Bute and Rothesay Castle, and the ‘Loch Lomond Discovery’. Thecompany has also expanded its tour operations over the Isle of Skye whichprovides spectacular views of the Cuillin.For more information, tel: 01436 675030 or visitwww.lochlomondseaplanes.comWild swimming in SloveniaSummer is the perfect time to plunge into one of the earth’s most basicelements. Wild swimming offers a little more adventure than the localswimming pool. The world has a number of rivers, lakes and reservoirs tochoose from as well as pools and springs. Even ravines and gorges (perfectfor snorkelling) are accessible.Pick: The Slovenian Alps are surrounded with glacial lakes, crystal clear watersand clean, fresh air. Swimtrek, a leading swimming holiday operator, providesexpeditions around Lake Bled, the Soca river and Triglav National Park. Basedin the small town of Bohinj, the excursion includes a swim to the 17th centurychurch on Bled Island.For more information, tel: 01273 739 713 or visit www.swimtrek.com25 the riverside journals